Amazing Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar For Your Hair
Dandruff and flaky scalp can be annoying. The white flakes falling from your scalp can leave bad impressions and create a constant urge to scratch your head. And when left untreated, it may even lead to even more hair problems such as hair fall.Thankfully, there are a lot of natural remedies that can help keep dandruff at bay. Just like Apple cider vinegar for dandruff control. Made by fermenting apples, ACV is easily found in kitchens and can help improve your scalp health. It has also been recently bestowed with a superfood status due to its various health benefits. Butis apple cider vinegar good for hair?
How Can ACV Help Reduce Dandruff
Dandruff is a type of scalp infection caused by fungi or yeast known as Malassezia. Not washing your hair properly or even having an oily scalp are the top causes that can trigger dandruff. The yeast feeds on oils on the scalp and multiplies causing itchiness, flaky residue, and even redness.
Since ancient times, vinegar has been used to fight off various infections due to its antimicrobial properties.
ACV can help control the growth of yeast that causes dandruff to reduce itching and flakiness. ACV is also acidic due to the presence of acetic acid which helps restore your scalp’s pH levels and keeps it healthy.
How Is ACV Used To Make Scalp Healthy And Irritation Free?
The most popular and easiest way to use apple cider vinegar for hair dandruff is to use an ACV hair rinse. A rinse is the last step of your hair care routine and helps balance your scalp. You can either buy ACV from the market or make your own at home by fermenting apples for a few weeks.
While using the ACV rinse, it is best to dilute it well with water instead of using it raw. This will help minimise any potential side effects. Using ACV hair rinse can at times leave an unpleasant smell on your hair. So rinse it out well with water if it seems to bother you.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair
Apart from reducing dandruff, there are several other reasons to add ACV to your hair care routine.
- Removes product buildup:
ACV has cleansing properties that can help remove buildup caused due to hair care products. It can help clear your scalp and unclog the follicles. - Exfoliates scalp:
The enzymes present in apple cider vinegar can also remove dead cells accumulated on your scalp which may be causing itching and flakiness. - Help transition to organic shampoos:
Your hair undergoes a transition phase while switching to organic, sulfate-free shampoo which can make your hair greasy and rough. Using an ACV rinse will make the transition easier by clarifying your scalp from all grease, dirt, and oils. - Makes hair shinier:
Alkaline pH can make your hair look frizzy, dull, and rough. And by helping balance pH levels with its acidic nature, ACV can help your hair look healthier, smoother, and shinier too. It will also help prevent breakage and friction which retains your hair volume. - Encourage hair growth:
The overall role of ACV in unclogging our pores, reducing dandruff, and maintaining a healthy pH of the scalp will also help encourage a healthy hair growth process.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair
- ACV rinse For Clarifying Hair:
Dilute 1 tbsp ACV with 1 cup of water and use it as a hair rinse. After shampooing and conditioning your hair, pour this ACV rinse into your hair and scalp. Massage it gently and then let it sit in your hair for a few minutes before rinsing it off with water. You can repeat this process every time you shampoo your hair to remove buildup from the scalp. - Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff:
Mix 1tbsp ACV with 1 cup water. Pour this solution into a spray bottle. Cleanse your hair with shampoo and then spray the solution all over the scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it with plain water. Follow up with our conditioner as usual. You can also use some herbs like rosemary or neem leaves to rinse for added benefits. Boil the herbs in water and strain them. Allow the water to cool and then use it to make your ACV rinse.
FAQs
- Can Apple Cider Vinegar for dandruff irritate the scalp?
Yes, using raw ACV directly may cause irritation to the skin and scalp. Hence, diluting it well with water is essential. Also, we always recommend conducting a patch test first to check for any allergic reactions or signs of sensitivity. - Can I use ACV for hair dandruff if I have a dry scalp?
Yes, ACV can benefit both dry and oily scalp types. - Can I add essential oils to ACV rinse?
Yes, you can. But we always advise diluting essential oils with a carrier oil first to use it safely.
REFERENCES –
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158629/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
FAQs
Mix 2 to 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 16 ounces of water. After shampooing and conditioning, pour the mixture over your hair evenly, working into your scalp. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. Rinse it out.
How to use apple cider vinegar in hair for dandruff? ›
Mix 2 to 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 16 ounces of water. After shampooing and conditioning, pour the mixture over your hair evenly, working into your scalp. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. Rinse it out.
How long do you leave apple cider vinegar in your hair for dry scalp? ›
"Dry hair needs less ACV and oily hair needs more," she adds. "I recommend shampooing first and then saturating the hair with ACV." Once you massage the solution into the scalp, let it sit for three to five minutes before rinsing and conditioning as normal.
What are the benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair and scalp? ›
Benefits for the hair may include:
- Cleansing hair of product and oil buildup.
- Restoring shine and protecting color.
- Adding volume, relieving itch and dandruff.
- Encouraging hair growth.
I use my ACV rinse in place of shampoo but it can also be used after shampoo. Get in the shower and wet your hair like usual and then use the tip of the bottle to create mini parts within your hair (squeeze as you go to dispense the product. Continue this until you've applied the product to your whole scalp.
How often should I use apple cider vinegar for dandruff? ›
People who want to give this potential natural dandruff remedy a try can start by applying a dilute apple cider vinegar wash to their scalp once or twice a week. In some people, however, the wash may lead to skin irritation or worsening dandruff symptoms.
Do I use apple cider vinegar before or after shampoo? ›
When using apple cider vinegar on your hair, it is important to dilute it with water. Mix one part vinegar with two parts water and apply to your hair after shampooing. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with water. You can use apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse once or twice a week.
What are the side effects of apple cider vinegar on hair? ›
For most hair types, apple cider vinegar is generally safe. However, you could experience skin irritation or burning if you don't water down ACV properly or use it too much. Be sure to dilute ACV as per the recommended guidelines and limit how often you use it to keep any negative effects at bay.
Does apple cider vinegar destroy scalp fungus? ›
ACV acts as a great clarifier with antifungal properties. Pour 1 part ACV with 2 parts water into a bottle with a nozzle tip, and pour it onto your scalp. Let the treatment sit for 20 minutes before shampooing your curls. High-quality apple cider vinegar are “the mother,” of a colony of good bacteria.
How many times a week can I put apple cider vinegar in my hair? ›
Since everyone's hair is unique you must use your own judgment. Remember--dry hair likes less vinegar and oily hair likes more. For most people a using a vinegar rinse every day will be quite drying. It is best to restrict use to 1 to 2 times per week.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair
- First, start with good quality Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Next, fill a glass with warm, purified water. ...
- Take the glass into the shower and set it to the side. ...
- Leave it in your hair for about 2-3 minutes to soak in.
- Finally, thoroughly rinse to remove from your hair and you're done!
Take 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to the bowl. You can increase the amount of oil for dry hair while, reduce it if you are someone with oily scalp and greasy hair. Then, add 2 tablespoons of water to the mix.
How to open hair follicles on scalp naturally? ›
Hot oil treatment: Applying warm oil to the scalp, such as coconut or castor oil, can help to soften and loosen any buildup in the follicles, making it easier to remove. Herbal remedies: Using herbal remedies such as tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and rosemary oil can help to unclog the follicles.
How to use vinegar for dandruff? ›
It's actually quite simple. After using a shampoo, apply a diluted version of Apple Cider Vinegar to your hair. Leave it for about 20 to 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly, leaving nothing behind. Don't use it too often, just once a week.
How to wash your hair with apple cider vinegar for dandruff? ›
To use ACV for dandruff, the University of California, Berkeley suggests the following:
- Combine 1/2 cup ACV with 1 1/2 cups of cool water.
- Shampoo and rinse your hair as normal.
- Pour the water and ACV mix through your hair.
- Don't rinse your hair again.
- Use conditioner if necessary.
You should never apply apple cider vinegar directly to your hair. As we mentioned above, it has a highly acidic pH that undiluted could cause irritation, itchiness on the scalp or burn the sensitive skin of the scalp.
How to use apple cider vinegar for seborrheic dermatitis on scalp? ›
Dilute apple cider vinegar with water (1 part vinegar to 1-2 parts water) and apply to affected areas with a cotton pad. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. Honey: Raw honey contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and promote healing.
How do you get rid of dandruff permanently? ›
Dandruff can be effectively destroyed through various methods: Using anti-dandruff shampoos containing active ingredients like pyrithione zinc or ketoconazole. Regularly washing the hair with a gentle shampoo to keep the scalp clean. Managing stress levels, as stress can worsen dandruff.
Can you mix baking soda and apple cider vinegar for dandruff? ›
Apple cider vinegar has anti-fungal properties that can help in flushing out dandruff. To use them, take a bowl and add 2 teaspoons baking soda and 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Mix them well and apply on your scalp. Give your head a light massage for 2 minutes then rinse off with cool water.
